West=On=Track -News

Western Rail Corridor: date sought for re-opening of Sligo section

Sligo Champion - Wednesday 9th August 2006

By Michael Moran

WITH speculation growing that a Government announcement on the Western Rail Corridor is imminent, campaigners pressing for the opening of the line to Sligo have said the project can be delivered by 2011.

The cabinet approved the W.R.C. in principal at a meeting two weeks ago and an official announcement is due later this month, or in early September.

Amid claims that the Ennis to Claremorris section will be operating within the next two to three years, and not in 2016 as was originally envisaged in the 'Transport 21' initiative, West=on=Track have called on the Government to give a firm date for the re-opening of the Sligo section, estimated to cost euro197 million.

"We need a date for the start of work on the Sligo link. While we broadly welcome the Government's commitment, we are not interested in having this project simply included in an election manifesto either by the Government or the opposition.

"We know Irish Rail have the capacity to do the necessary work and all we need now is for the Government to state precisely when it will begin," said Mr. Peter Bowen-Walsh of West=on=Track.